Back up camera.

[Bob K.]

We had our orientation of our new 2020 Cardinal 3750bkx yesterday. It is equipped with a factory installed back up camera. We asked how it worked. They sold us a monitor and quoted installation of $ 90.00. Today I was watching videos on how to operate it and it pairs up without any mechanical labor. Did the dealer charge me for something they didn't have to do or is there actual work/ hookup of wires? Haven't taken delivery yet.

[NJKris]

Wait a second. It had a factory camera setup without a monitor?? You are either confused about what it came with or they gypped ya! MAYBE some of the highest end units already have camera systems, but most are pre-wired to accept a system, and you have to have system installed.

[Bob K.]

Here's what I do know. The camper came to the dealer with a factory installed camera. When we asked about it we were told we had to buy the monitor to view. The dealer had several pre-packaged sizes to choose from. We chose one and were quoted $90.00 to hook up. My question is really, is there any hook up required since the videos I've found online only discuss pairing by bluetooth?

[Jfkmk]

It seems strange that it would come with a camera but no monitor. We purchased our last tt 4 years ago, and at that time they typically came pre-wired for a camera but without the actual camera.

If that was the case, 90 might not be out of line. To me it would be high, as it’s an easy install, but you know dealer rates.

If the camera is actually installed, and you truly only need to pair the monitor, then yes, it does seem like a rip-off.

[GPs37FLH]

You are correct that all you need to do is turn on the lights to your tow vehicle. Once you're connected to your tow vehicles 7-way outlet, that will provide power to the camera. All you need to do then is to turn on your tablet and it will likely pick up the signal automatically and you're done.

The one I installed on my new 5er had the ability to connect up to four cameras so I had to run the setup on the tablet to choose which view was my default, but that was it.

I think paying $90 for less than five minutes of work is crazy, but they're going to charge you for the full hour even though it only took them a couple minutes to set it up. I think it's especially crazy tho when you consider you just threw down a hell of a lot of money for the new RV. I would've told them to throw in the price and installation of the backup systems tablet.

[NJKris]

You said 90 bucks to hook it up. How much did they charge you for the monitor, and what was the 'hook up'? Plugging the monitor into your cigarette lighter? And monitor size. Obviously bigger will be more expensive. A lot of us can't see some postage stamp size monitor (ie, 4 inch). Just for reference, my 7" monitor wireless system was about 250 bucks plus tax, new, aftermarket. I installed camera myself, hung monitor in my truck and plugged it in myself.

[NJKris]

Also, re-reading your first post, you said it is a backup camera. Backup cameras are much cheaper than observation cameras. As they are nearly obsolete in favor of observation cameras that can be viewed anytime, like going down highway, not just when backing up.

[Bob K.]

It turns out that what i was seeing was not a camera, but an empty housing. The dealer informed me that the camera had to be installed in the empty housing then paired. I completely misunderstood what they initially told me. They installed and paired it this morning. Thanks for everyones reply.

[Bob K.]

Yes! we purchased the best one offered. almost $900

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by NJKris

Plugging the monitor into your cigarette lighter? .

You’re dating yourself.

[NJKris]

Originally Posted by Bob K.

Yes! we purchased the best one offered. almost $900

Good God. I wish I lived closer to you, would have set you up with a 7" monitor system for under 300 bucks. I think you can buy an 80" smart TV now for 900 bucks. I'm just a poor retired civil servant though, if you got the Cardinal, I'm sure that's no big deal for you thankfully!

[NJKris]

Originally Posted by Jfkmk

You’re dating yourself.

Hah! True. Only 55, but pushed in the cigarette lighter a time or two! Speaking of lighters, I went to a major chain grocery store yesterday to buy some disposable lighters. Guess what? They don't sell them there anymore! This kids at the courtesy counter practically laughed at me. You can only get wood matches or an 8" long BBQ lighter for 6 bucks. Ended up finding a Bic lighter at a convenience store.

[Jfkmk]

Originally Posted by NJKris

Hah! True. Only 55, but pushed in the cigarette lighter a time or two! .

I had a couple of cars with the dimmer switch on the floor. My ‘71 Challenger even had a foot operated windshield washer pump! It was actually kind of nice to be able to control how hard the washer fluid came out.

[NJKris]

Ahhh, the floor dimmer. My parents' '69 Oldsmobile was the only car I ever drove that had that.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Bob K.

Yes! we purchased the best one offered. almost $900

So you paid $900 for the system and another $90 for installation?... for a camera system in a R/V that was prewired?... OUCH!

Your dealer isn't doing you any favors.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Bob K.

Yes! we purchased the best one offered. almost $900

Boy, you got taken![emoji32]
That better include side cameras, for that price.

[Bob K.]

I dont like overpaying either. I figured it was good insurance since i've backed into things before with my truck. I can't imagine what the repair bill would be if i crunched the back of the camper.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Bob K.

I dont like overpaying either. I figured it was good insurance since i've backed into things before with my truck. I can't imagine what the repair bill would be if i crunched the back of the camper.

Did that price include side cameras or just the rear observation camera?

[Bob K.]

As it turns out the Observation system includes one camera. The actual price was 650 plus 90 install plus tax . 799 total. Seems to be a highly rated system. Need to ask if more cameras can be added.

[WanderMore]

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